With firework stands now open across Clallam County, authorities remind the public to use common sense this Fourth of July.
“We’re just hoping everyone stays safe and sane, so to speak,” Forks Mayor Bryon Monohon said.
Clallam County follows state law when it comes to consumer fireworks.
Fireworks can be ignited in unincorporated Clallam County from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. today and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to midnight Monday the Fourth and from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday.
Sequim’s municipal code follows the same schedule for firework use, City Attorney Craig Ritchie said.
Forks City Attorney Rod Fleck said fireworks can be discharged within the city limit until noon Wednesday.
Port Angeles has the most stringent rules for lighting fireworks. Fire Marshal Ken Dubuc said the only day it is permissible to light fireworks is the Fourth of July itself.
It is legal to light fireworks purchased inside the city Monday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Dubuc said.
Fireworks are not allowed at Port Angeles City Pier, Hollywood Beach or the Waterfront Trail.
Some cities, such as Port Townsend and Seattle, have outright bans on consumer fireworks. Fireworks are permitted in the unicorporated area of East Jefferson County.
“Fireworks should never be used by children, even under the supervision of an adult, period,” Dubuc said.
Dubuc said it sends the wrong message to discourage kids from playing with matches, then allow them to light fireworks on the Fourth of July.
“Even giving a kid a sparkler is just insane,” he said.
Cones, spinners, roman candles and sparklers are legal.
Bottle rockets, firecrackers, sky rockets, missile rockets, cherry bombs and M-80s are illegal.
“Probably the worst ones are the sparklers because little kids play with them and touch them,” Ritchie said.
Fireworks that are legal to sell on tribal land cannot be lit off tribal land.
Dubuc said a little common sense goes a long way.
“Be considerate of your neighbors,” he said.
Dubuc provided the following safety tips for lighting fireworks:
■ Pick a safe location.
■ Keep a garden hose and bucket handy.
■ Never try to light a dud.
■ Keep pets inside.
One of the biggest complaints Dubuc receives about fireworks is that they scare pets.
“It can be traumatic for animals,” he said.
Dubuc said injuries are more common than fires on the Fourth.
“If the weather stays like this, all the firemen will be ecstatic,” Ritchie said.
The State Patrol said dogs that sniff for explosives will find fireworks at state ferry terminals. Ferry riders should store fireworks where they are accessible, troopers said.
Illegal fireworks will be confiscated.
Port Angeles will have a professional fireworks show Monday night on the waterfront.
“Our primary message to people is if you really want to enjoy fireworks, let the professionals do it,” Dubuc said.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
